Guide to Easy Walking Foot Quilting
Simple Walking Foot Tips
Do you have a passion for quilting but find yourself looking for more speed and efficiency? Look no further! In this Guide to Easy Walking Foot Quilting, you’ll learn the techniques to take your quilting to a new level. From preparing your quilt top to selecting the right needle and thread, you’ll have everything you need to know. Get ready to explore simple yet attractive walking foot quilting designs and techniques that will change your machine quilting experience.
Whether you’re a quilting novice or an experienced quilter looking for something new, this guide is designed to help you create and finish beautiful quilts. First is understanding the fundamentals of walking foot quilting and learning about the benefits of using one. Plus, there’s a complete list of supplies to ensure you’re fully equipped for success.
But that’s not all! We’ll also look at essential walking foot quilting techniques, learn how to quilt half square triangles with ease, and discover how to also add quilt binding using a walking foot. By the end of this guide, you’ll have the skills and confidence to create beautiful quilted designs resulting in stunning quilts.
Before we delve into the benefits of using a walking foot for quilting, it’s important to have a clear understanding of what walking foot quilting entails. A walking foot, also known as an even feed foot, is a specialized sewing machine foot that is designed to evenly feed multiple layers of fabric through your sewing machine. It has a set of feed dogs under the pressure feet, just like the ones on the bed of your sewing machine. Together they work in unison to move the fabric along smoothly.
Understanding Walking Foot Quilting
Using a walking foot for quilting is particularly valuable when working with bulkier fabrics and multiple layers, such as when piecing a quilt top together or adding batting, backing, and binding. By evenly feeding the fabric from both the top and bottom, a walking foot prevents shifting, puckering, and stretching, ensuring that your quilting stitches are consistent and flawless.
The beauty of a walking foot is its ability to keep all layers of fabric in sync, preventing the top layer from shifting or moving ahead of the bottom layers. This creates a smooth and even quilting process, resulting in a professional-looking finish. Whether you’re a beginning quilter or a seasoned professional, using a walking foot can greatly enhance the quality of your quilting and make the entire process much easier with less strain on you.
In addition to its feed mechanism, a walking foot often comes with a built-in guide that helps you maintain an accurate seam allowance. This is especially useful when quilting intricate patterns or working with designs that require precise alignment. The guide ensures that your stitches are consistently spaced and that your seams are straight and true.
The walking foot is a powerful tool that can improve your quilting skills with its ability to handle layers of fabric easily. Plus, there are specific benefits of using a walking foot that makes it an invaluable asset in any quilter’s toolkit.
Benefits of Using a Walking Foot
The benefits of using a walking foot go beyond using its guide. One of the key advantages is its ability to handle many layers of fabric easily. Unlike a regular presser foot, which can sometimes slip causing the fabric layers to shift or pucker, a walking foot evenly feeds all layers at the same rate. This keeps your quilt sandwich flat and smooth, eliminating any unwanted fabric distortion from stretching or pulling.
It’s also very versatile. Whether you’re working with delicate silk or thick upholstery fabric, the walking foot can handle a wide range of materials. Its even pressure prevents the top fabric layer from stretching or wrinkling, resulting in a professional-looking finish.
Additionally, a walking foot can save you time and effort. By preventing fabric slippage and puckering, you’ll spend less time correcting mistakes and more time quilting. The smooth and consistent feeding action of the walking foot eliminates the need for constant readjustment, allowing you to focus on your creative process.
With its ability to handle layers of fabric with ease and precision, its versatility across different materials, and its time-saving benefits, the walking foot truly is invaluable in any quilter’s toolkit. There are some specific supplies to consider getting started with walking foot quilting, so you can begin your walking foot quilting confidently.
Basic Walking Foot Quilting Supplies (affiliate links included)
Find the Right Walking Foot for Your Machine
All sewers appreciate how well a walking foot works for difficult to sew fabrics such as vinyl, suede, leather, and laminated fabrics. It also works great on very light fabrics such as tulle or gauze. Thick fabrics such as velvet, minky, faux fur, canvas, upholstery fabrics, or multiple layers of heavy fabrics are a breeze to sew with one.
They are also a quilter’s best friend. While many quilters use it for quilting straight or curved lines, there are a multitude of ways this specialty foot can help improve and speed up your quilting results.
They can also be used for quilt assembly, basting, binding, applique, rose applique link and even decorative stitching. Plus, you’ll be amazed how easy joining batting pieces batting link together can be with this handy accessory. Having the needed supplies will prepare for successful walking foot quilting.
First and foremost, you’ll need a walking foot attachment for your sewing machine. This specialized foot is designed with feed dogs under the pressure foot, allowing for even feeding of multiple layers of fabric. It acts as a second set of feed dogs, working along with the ones on your machine. Many newer sewing machines will likely have a specific unit you can purchase. There are also universal walking foot attachments that can be used on multiple different or older machines. Make sure to check compatibility with your sewing machine model before making a purchase.
Walking Foot Quilting Necessities
In addition to a walking foot, you’ll also need new, sharp quilting needles. My personal preference for regular quilting on cotton fabric is a size #11 needle. For rag quilting, I always use a size #16 needle due to the extra layers of fabric and additional weight. For walking foot quilting, it’s not uncommon to use needles with a slightly larger size than you would typically use for piecing. This will help accommodate the extra layers of fabric and batting. Choose high-quality needles that are sharp and durable to ensure smooth stitching.
Another essential supply you’ll need is quilting thread. Choose a strong and durable thread that is specifically designed for quilting. This type of thread is usually thicker than regular sewing thread, providing added strength and stability to your stitches. A 30-40 weight thread will work very well. You may also prefer a lighter 50 weight bobbin thread for the backing. Consider using a thread color that complements your quilt design or blends in seamlessly for a subtle finish.
A Few Other Quilting Supplies
When it comes to quilt marking tools, choose ones that are easily visible on your fabric but can be easily removed or washed out. This will allow you to accurately mark your quilting designs without leaving permanent marks on your fabric. Options include washable fabric markers, chalk pencils, or quilter’s pencils. Experiment with different marking tools to find one that works best for you and your quilting projects.
Lastly, having a good pair of quilting gloves can greatly improve your walking foot quilting experience. These gloves provide extra grip and control when maneuvering the layers of fabric under the walking foot. Look for gloves that are comfortable, breathable, and offer a snug fit to ensure maximum dexterity while quilting.
These simple walking foot supplies will make your quilting experience more comfortable and relaxed. With your walking foot, quilting needles, thread, marking tools, and quilting gloves, you’ll be well-prepared to get lots of quilting finished.
Mastering Easy HST Walking Foot Quilting Techniques
Easy Quilting HSTs with a Walking Foot
Now that you have all the necessary supplies for walking foot quilting, it’s time to dive into the techniques that will take your quilting to the next level. Let’s look at how to machine quilt HSTs (Half-Square Triangles) with a walking foot. By learning these walking foot quilting techniques, you will be able to create beautiful designs easily.
Quilting HSTs is a common technique in quilting, and using a walking foot can make the process much easier. When quilting HSTs with a walking foot, it’s important to approach the process with a clear plan in mind. Consider the overall design and theme of your quilt, and how you want the quilting to enhance or complement the pieced HSTs. You can choose to quilt in a way that accentuates the shape of the triangles, such as quilting parallel lines along the edges, or you can experiment with different patterns and motifs to create a unique effect.
HSTs are a versatile and popular quilting element that can add visual interest and texture to your quilt designs. That’s why it is important to know some quick and easy quilting finishes for your HST quilts.
Walking Foot Echo Quilting
Quilting HST quilts with a walking foot is a quick method especially if you choose a simple design. There are two very easy quilting techniques to use on HST quilts. First is echo quilting along diagonal patterns within the quilt. That simply means sewing along side a seam while keeping a consistent distance away.
Quilting corner-to-corner ½-inch away from a seam is very easy. Simply line up your walking foot along the diagonal seam and sew. Then repeat across the quilt until finished. A single line of quilting is more than adequate, but adding additional lines close together would be considered echo quilting. Simply described as rows of multiple stitching lines following the same path, equally distanced from the primary shape or seam. It’s a fun way to bring attention to a specific area of your quilt.
Color Dive image of quilting
The second easy pattern is quilting elongated ‘S’ curves along the seam lines. It’s very effective and softens the look of the diagonal seams of this Color Dive HST Quilt. Start with one row of curved quilting that crosses the same seam from one side of the quilt to the other. Then continue for the next seam until the quilting is finished. The quilting lines can follow the same shape across the quilt or change along the way. While one line of quilting may have closer curves, others may be more spread out. It’s simply a personal choice and allows for lots of flexibility. Once you become more proficient with your walking foot quilting, you can choose more advanced quilt designs and create stunning visual effects.
Walking Foot Straight Line Quilting
A key technique to master is quilting straight lines along the HST seams. This not only adds stability and durability to your quilt but also enhances the overall design. To achieve straight lines, focus on maintaining a steady speed while guiding the fabric smoothly under the walking foot. Take your time and practice on scrap fabric to get a feel for the movement.
Other techniques you can try are quilting straight lines diagonally across the HSTs, following the angle of the triangle. This can create a dynamic and modern look, adding movement and energy to your quilt. Alternatively, you can quilt a continuous spiral starting from the center of the HST and working in circles to the outer edges. This technique adds an imaginative touch and can be particularly effective on quilts with a playful or abstract design.
Remember to always practice on scrap fabric before quilting your actual project. This allows you to test out different techniques and adjust your tension and stitch length as needed. Plus, you want to be familiar with the necessary movements needed as you stitch across your quilt top. Take your time and be patient with yourself as you explore different quilting options and discover what works best for you.
More Quilting HSTs with a Walking Foot
Another technique to consider is quilting diagonal lines on your HSTs in a crosshatch pattern, which can create interesting visual effects. Begin by sewing one diagonal line across the HST block from corner to corner. Then, move to the adjacent corner and quilt another diagonal line in the opposite direction creating a large ‘X’ within the square. This pattern adds depth and texture to HST blocks and can be repeated across your entire quilt.
As you become more comfortable with various walking foot quilting techniques, don’t be afraid to experiment and explore different designs. You can try quilting parallel lines at different intervals, creating intricate geometric patterns, or even incorporating curves using the walking foot. The possibilities are endless, and with practice, you’ll develop your own unique style.
By mastering these walking foot quilting techniques, you are now ready to quilt HSTs with confidence and creativity. The next section will look at another important walking foot quilting technique, allowing you to expand your skills and create even more stunning quilts—the binding. So, let’s continue our journey and unlock the full potential of walking foot quilting.,
Attach Quilt Binding with a Walking Foot
Prepare Your Binding Strips
By now, you’ve become familiar with the basics of walking foot quilting and have experimented with various quilting techniques. As you gain confidence in your skills, it’s time to take your quilts to the next level by adding the finishing touch – walking foot quilt binding tutorial.
Binding is a simple finishing step that wraps around the raw edges of the quilt, providing a clean and attractive finish. While you can certainly attach binding using a regular sewing foot, a walking foot makes the process easier by keeping all those fabric layers moving together. It also works wonderfully adding the final binding stitching, especially if you choose a fun decorative stitch!
To begin, prepare your binding strips by cutting them to the desired width. The width will depend on your personal preference and the thickness of your quilt. Typically, the binding is cut between 2.5 to 3 inches wide. Join the strips together at a 45-degree angle, trimming the excess fabric.
Once your binding is ready, attach the walking foot to your sewing machine. The walking foot’s built-in feed dogs will help prevent the layers of your quilt from shifting as you attach the binding. It will evenly feed the fabric through the machine, ensuring smooth and consistent stitching.
Attach Your Binding
To begin, fold the binding in half lengthwise and align the raw edges of the binding with the raw edges of your quilt. It’s best to start near the middle of one side so there’s room to join the binding strips together where they meet. Leave a 8-10 inches of binding unstitched to allow for joining the ends later.
As you stitch, guide the binding and quilt sandwich under the walking foot, ensuring that all layers are aligned and flat. Use a straight stitch, attach the binding with a ¼-inch seam. Take your time, keeping a steady pace and adjusting the speed if needed.
When you reach a corner, stop stitching a 1/4-inch away from the edge and cut the threads. Fold the binding to create a miter corner as shown in the video tutorial above. Beginning along the next side, align your needle 1/4-inch from the edge of the quilt and begin sewing over the folded corner. Continue sewing to the next corner and repeat for all corners, ensuring that you’re securing both the binding and the quilt sandwich as you sew.
Once you have sewn around the entire quilt, it’s time to join the binding ends. Trim the excess binding, leaving an overlap equal to the width of the binding. Open the binding strips and place the ends right sides together at a 90-degree angle. Sew a diagonal seam from corner-to-corner, then trim the seam allowance. Fold the binding back into place, finger press the seam, and finish sewing it onto the quilt.
Adding quilt binding with a walking foot can be a game-changer for your quilts. The walking foot’s even feed and precise stitching will give your binding a professional finish and overall look of your project.
Great Job!
This beginner’s guide to easy walking foot quilting has provided the basics you need to get started. You understand how to use your walking foot and are ready to try some simple techniques on your quilts. You can also learn more about using a walking foot with multiple other demonstrations.
Begin your quilting journey today. Remember that practice makes perfect and the sooner you start the quicker you’ll be quilting! So, grab your walking foot, unfold your quilt top, and let your confidence and creativity shine through. With each stitch, your skills will continue to improve, and you’ll be amazed how easily you’ll be finishing your quilts.
So don’t be afraid to let your imagination soar and bring your quilting visions to life. Now, it’s time to thread your needle, let your inspiration guide you, and transform simple fabrics into breathtaking works of art. Happy quilting!
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